Focus On Flowers

What’s the floral forecast for 2016 weddings? Several trends are “growing” in popularity.

Bouquets and arrangements that feature both in-season and local blooms are big with brides this year.

Many brides are after the natural look of freshly picked blooms, with a “plucked-from-the-garden” appeal, rather than something more formal. These free-form bouquets and centerpieces often include a mix of big and small blossoms in more than one color, and might use spiky flowers or fruiting vines as dramatic exclamation points that add texture.

According to master floral designer Darla Manley of Allen’s Flower’s, when it comes to bouquets you’re going to see more cascades in 2016, with more of an elegant sculptured look.

“You’re going to see more texture and structure,” Manley says. In terms of flowers, “You’re going to see a lot of hydrangeas, ranunculus, standard roses, lilies and orchids.” She says mid-Missouri brides tend to be a little more traditional than those in other parts of the country.

Color palettes will continue to include peach and pink, more of the soft romantic vintage colors.

“You’ll see more of a beach theme,” Manley says, “with blues and sea foam greens and beiges.”

And don’t forget about the stunning simplicity of white. “You’ll see more whites and greens. You’ll always see all whites. For winter weddings, it’s phenomenal, a really pretty winter look.” But there are also brides opting for more pops of brighter, vivid colors as well.

Another trend Manley has observed is a move toward fewer, nicer flowers in bouquets, with less bulk. Edgier brides are choosing to showcase a few individual blooms, often tied with a single “shoelace” bow.

And brides are moving away from adding jewelry and bling, although many brides want to incorporate material from their wedding dress alterations, or lace from their mother’s or grandmother’s dresses, into the binding of their bouquets. Some of today’s brides are also opting to bind their bouquets in large, flat leaves.

Manley says brides will still see burlap and baby’s breath in bouquets, but she’s hoping that trend is on its way out. “I get tired of doing the same thing,” she says. “There’s so much more room for creativity in design!”

Although brides still frequently want floral centerpieces, many are choosing options with limited flowers.

Succulents with floral accents provide a way to stretch a budget. Manley sees a lot more texture with designs, such as kales mixed with lilies, grasses and succulents. Potted plants and decorative leaves such as magnolia and begonia are trending, along with other budget-friendly centerpieces such as those that feature bare branches decorated with delicate crepe-paper flowers and crystals.

Other money-saving centerpiece options are nonfloral elements, such as candles and framed pictures of the happy couple. Some couples are mixing centerpieces — florals on some tables and no-florals on others.

“Things are more eclectic these days,” Manley says, “not all matchy-matchy.”